Pack your hearts and harps, time travellers, because it’s time to celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day, the Welsh equivalent of Valentine’s Day. Marked on January 25, this romantic occasion pays tribute to St Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers, whose bittersweet tale of love and devotion has inspired generations to embrace affection with a uniquely Welsh flair.
From heartfelt gifts to serene pilgrimages, this is the perfect occasion to immerse yourself in Welsh culture and celebrate the beauty of love—be it for your partner, your friends, or the dreamy landscapes of Wales itself.
Who Was St Dwynwen?
St Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and was one of the 24 daughters of Brychan Brycheiniog, a Welsh king. According to legend, Dwynwen fell in love with a man named Maelon Dafodrill, but their love was not meant to be. The reasons vary depending on the version of the story—parental disapproval, a broken heart, or a cruel twist of fate.
Heartbroken, Dwynwen prayed for her feelings for Maelon to be eased. In response, an angel appeared, offering her a potion that would erase her love and turn Maelon into a block of ice (which is, admittedly, one way to cool off a relationship).
Repenting her decision, Dwynwen asked God to grant happiness to all lovers. She dedicated her life to the church, founding a convent on Llanddwyn Island in Anglesey, where her legend lives on as the protector of love.
How Is St Dwynwen’s Day Celebrated?
Welsh romantics celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day in ways that echo the more famous Valentine’s Day, but with a distinctly local twist:
- Exchanging Gifts: Lovers exchange tokens of affection, from chocolates to handmade crafts. Traditional Welsh love spoons, intricately carved wooden spoons, are particularly popular.
- Romantic Pilgrimages: Couples visit Llanddwyn Island, where the ruins of Dwynwen’s convent offer a scenic and symbolic setting for declarations of love.
- Sending Love Notes: In keeping with the poetic spirit of Wales, many people compose heartfelt messages or poems for their beloved.
Your St Dwynwen’s Day Itinerary
Morning: A Pilgrimage to Llanddwyn Island
Start your day with a visit to Llanddwyn Island, a tidal island off the coast of Anglesey. The ruins of Dwynwen’s convent are steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Wander the windswept beaches, explore the St Dwynwen’s Church ruins, and marvel at the Dwynwen Well, where the water is said to reveal the fate of lovers.
Pro tip: Check the tides before visiting, as the island is cut off at high tide. Nothing kills romance quite like being stranded!
Afternoon: Love Spoon Crafting
Head to a nearby workshop to learn the art of crafting Welsh love spoons. These wooden spoons, traditionally carved by suitors to show their devotion, are adorned with symbols like hearts, knots (representing togetherness), and bells (indicating marriage). Whether you’re making one for a loved one or as a souvenir, it’s a heartfelt way to mark the occasion.
Evening: A Candlelit Feast
Celebrate the day with a traditional Welsh dinner at a local inn. Start with a bowl of cawl, a hearty lamb and vegetable stew, followed by Welsh rarebit and bara brith (a fruit loaf). Raise a glass of mead—known as the drink of love—to St Dwynwen and her enduring legacy.
Why Celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day?
St Dwynwen’s Day is a chance to embrace love in its many forms, from romantic to platonic. It’s a uniquely Welsh tradition that highlights the nation’s rich cultural heritage, combining history, spirituality, and creativity. Whether you’re wooing your partner or simply indulging in self-love (because, let’s be honest, you deserve it), this day is an opportunity to celebrate connection and kindness.
Travel Tips for St Dwynwen’s Day
- Check the Weather: January in Wales can be chilly and unpredictable—bring warm layers and waterproofs.
- Brush Up on Welsh: Impress the locals with phrases like “Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus!” (Happy St Dwynwen’s Day!).
- Go Off-Peak: Llanddwyn Island can be busy on St Dwynwen’s Day—arrive early for a serene experience.
What’s on the Menu?
Indulge in Welsh delicacies to mark the occasion:
- Cawl: A traditional lamb and vegetable stew that warms the soul.
- Welsh Cakes: Sweet griddle cakes spiced with cinnamon and raisins.
- Mead: A honey-based drink, perfect for toasting to love and happiness.
Fun Trivia About St Dwynwen’s Day
- Did you know? St Dwynwen’s Well on Llanddwyn Island was believed to contain sacred fish whose movements could predict the future of relationships.
- Odd but true: Welsh love spoons were sometimes so elaborately carved that they became too fragile to use—practicality takes a back seat to romance!
- Legacy: St Dwynwen’s Day has grown in popularity in recent years, rivaling Valentine’s Day in parts of Wales.
Want to Know More?
Books
- Celtic Myths and Legends by Peter Berresford Ellis.
- Welsh Folk Tales by Rhiannon Ifans.
Articles
- “The Legend of St Dwynwen” in Visit Wales Magazine.
- “St Dwynwen’s Day: Celebrating Wales’ Patron Saint of Love” by the National Trust Wales.
Web Resources
- Visit Wales: www.visitwales.com
- Anglesey Heritage Sites: www.angleseyheritage.com
The Final Word
St Dwynwen’s Day is a celebration of love, legend, and all things Welsh. Whether you’re wandering the romantic ruins of Llanddwyn Island, crafting a love spoon, or raising a glass of mead to love eternal, this unique occasion is the perfect blend of history and heart.
Have you celebrated love in its many forms or carved a love spoon of your own? Share your stories—we’ll toast your adventures with a hearty “Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus!”
